What I have learned

I have only 24 hours left in Georgia.
My home.

This week has been very interesting, to say the least, and I am glad I carved out some time to spend with people I care so very much about.

Luckily, I will spend the day at home with the parentals and my niece, just relaxing. I need just one day where I don't do a whole lot. I believe tonight I am meeting up with some friends for dinner, and I am going to spend tomorrow with some other friends for breakfast, then literally hit the road right after that.

As I sit here with my morning coffee, I got to thinking about this week's lessons. What have I learned? What are the high points? Did I accomplish everything I wanted to?

Here are just a few of my observations:

1. At the end of the day - my niece is why I came home. She is who I really wanted to spend time with, and I did just that.

2. Swinging relieves stress, almost instantaneously.

3. Fireworks are not necessary for the 4th of July. You might not even miss them.

4. Sleeping on a couch is definitely no fun. No matter how you slice it.

5. My egyptian should be proud of me, I am waaaaay more organized than my family.

6. I would probably be really good at target practice, just ask a very drenched Autumn about me with a water gun.

7. Floating in the deep end of a pool on a swim noodle, while having thoughtful conversation with a fellow intellectual is an excellent way to pass the time.

8. My diet is a lot healthier than most people I know. It was confirmed by seeing what my fam is eating.

9. If someone genuinely wants to spend time with you, they will carve out, even an hour, to say hello.

10. Just because you value a friendship, does not mean the other reciprocates. Some people put themselves 1st, without ever thinking of how others feel - and there is just nothing you can do about it.

11. To be kind to those who want to be in your company. It's rare to find people who love you for you, and want to sit and hear your thoughts.

12. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

13. My parents are slowing down. Watching them age is interesting.

14. I don't want to move home. Though I DO wish I were a wee bit closer.

15. Letting old friends know you are proud of them when they take steps to improve their lives and follow their dreams. It is equally important for me to validate, as well as receive validation.

16. That I have been acting entitled with my egyptian. Yes, he can behave rudely. But I realized while here, that I have been acting like I deserve to be treated this way and that - without putting in the effort. Yes, I deserve to be treated nice - however, just because you have a piece of paper keeping you legally together does NOT constitute a relationship. I need to give freely, and stop expecting so much in return. Some people just are not equipped to hand you the world on a silver platter.

17. I do enjoy Birmingham. I sort of miss my life.

18. I make coffee MUCH better than my dad. Who would have ever known? (I say that after taking a sip.)

19. I miss having animals as pets - but there is something nice about not having to vacuum up hair everyday, or cleaning litter boxes. (Just an observation being back home.)

20. When all else fails - nothing beats good music, good food and good conversation. Go out when you would rather stay in. THAT'S living.